We live in a society largely governed by laws as well as rules of conduct. Of course, what’s common etiquette in one country might just border on rudeness in another, given that various cultures have different behavioral guidelines. For instance, many people in Asian countries, like India, often eat with their hands, using minimal cutlery, something many people in the Western hemisphere frown upon.
From childhood, we’ve been taught proper rules of behavior that exist in society. This science is called “etiquette.” And each epoch had its own version of etiquette. In Ancient Greece, for example, it was okay to have dinner lying down, and just 150 years ago, it was considered indecent to put your gloves on in the street.
There are many things from the past that might seem weird to us today, and some historical etiquette rules are definitely included. But people in the past had to take these rules seriously if they wanted to fit into society. That’s why even though they might seem strange from a modern perspective, they can offer us a broader understanding of what everyday life looked like in the past.
Many things in our lives are regulated by rules of etiquette. But there are minor things that many of us forget about sometimes that cause unpleasant reactions in those around us. At the same time, we can avoid fights by just saying a couple of nice words or doing something simple.
There are many times when we wonder why we do things a certain way, and usually, there’s a very rational reason behind it. For example, Queen Elizabeth is known for always carrying her handbag in her left hand because she wants to keep her right hand free for handshakes. The only time she will change her purse placement is if she wants to let her staff know that she wants to end a conversation.
The rules of etiquette are becoming more liberal and now, it’s already difficult for us to imagine that once, it was impossible for a woman to speak on the street, even with her girlfriend. And offering a lady a chicken leg was equal to deliberately insulting her.
In the past, there were strict rules of etiquette that people were supposed to follow. But in modern society, these lines have been blurred, and the rules of behavior have been changed. But still, there are some details that can reveal a true lady.
You may consider yourself to be a polite person, but we bet you never thought that even the amount of food you leave on your plate says a lot about you. The way you pass the salt and even the way you wear your handbag have etiquette rules!
Every place in the world has its own rules on what is proper and what isn’t. That said, there are a few things that can always help you survive everyday situations, make friends, and leave a good impression of yourself on others. These are the basic rules of etiquette.
Why would a modern person need to know etiquette? Our lives are fast, we eat on the go, stay all day in pajamas, and drink tea and coffee from paper cups. But sometimes it’s really useful and beneficial to slow down, dine at a fancy restaurant, and make a good impression. Being polite and looking good is never out of fashion.
Nowadays many people consider etiquette to be unnecessary and obsolete. But the point of having good manners is not about following hundreds of little rules and formalities blindly, but first and foremost it’s about respecting other people no matter who they are. As Jean de La Bruyère, a French philosopher and moralist said, “The point of being polite is the ability to speak and act so that other people are not bothered by us.”
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Japan’s intricate web of social conventions and behavioral norms can perplex first-time visitors, who often stand out due to seemingly minor cultural blunders. While the Japanese tend to be understanding of well-intentioned tourists inadvertently breaching their etiquette, it’s better to familiarize oneself with these nuances to avoid any misunderstandings.
Public transportation can be a source of many controversies, especially when it comes to the etiquette of giving up seats. A recent incident that went viral on social media shows how an elderly woman demanded that a girl with a prosthetic leg should give up his seat for her, claiming that she was not disabled enough. The details of this encounter are revealed in our article.
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Everyday etiquette is not just about choosing the right fork for eating a salad. It is also expressing respect to oneself and to those around. Sometimes seemingly insignificant actions can show a person’s good manners, or, on the contrary, characterize them as a person who could easily insult others.
Not many people meet members of the British royal family in person. If you ever happen to be one of these few people, you’ll have to follow certain rules of the royal protocol to show your respect. From curtsying and bowing to choosing a proper topic for a conversation, there are so many things to bear in mind, and every detail matters.
New times bring new values and behavioral norms to people. For example, the ways to show good manners continue to change and reflect the features of the epoch in which they arise. For example, in medieval France, people would wipe their hands on the tablecloth and drink soup straight from the bowl. Today these gestures would hardly be perceived as a sign of good manners.
Between classic etiquette rules and the rules that we follow in movie theaters, libraries, restaurants, and on planes — there are lots of things we have to keep in mind every day. However, we often overlook one really important thing: the rules of having guests. We all want our guests to be happy when they visit us, but in reality, we often make silly mistakes that might disappoint people vising us.
Most people know who the members of the Windsor family (better known as the monarchy of the United Kingdom) are. Almost all of us also know how they always look very stylish. However, not everybody knows that clothes are one of the most effective ways Royals have to send a subtle message. Tributes, secret messages, and even criticisms: anything and everything can be behind the choice of a color or the design of a dress.
We think of the Middle Ages as a time when the entire world was in darkness, covered in mud, and full of never-ending wars — or we view the time as a period of romance with beautiful princesses living in big castles alongside brave knights and noble kings. We have these stereotypes in our minds thanks to movies and popular literature. They’re responsible for creating a lot of myths about the Middle Ages that often have nothing to do with what that time period actually looked like. Don’t forget that this historical period lasted from the fifth to the fifteenth century, and many things changed beyond recognition during this long stretch of time.
In the Middle Ages, it was the wives of British lords who had the title of “ladies.” In today’s world, this word has a broader meaning. A lady in the current world is a woman who can behave decently in any situation, whether it’s a meeting with an old friend or in an elite society. People turn around when she passes and look at her with awe, and even the most avid of cynics and skeptics can’t help but compliment her. Of course, true ladies have little secrets that help them always stay on top. Ultimately, a lady is a woman who commands and gives respect, within reason.
If you want to convince someone of something, speak in a low voice. Low-pitched voices have more influence on people and work when trying to make them agree with you. At the same time, don’t forget about using pauses and changing the volume of your voice, drawing attention to the most important moments. All these tips show people that you know what you’re talking about.
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To be a monarch’s descendant is no easy task. That’s why children of the royal houses must comply with a series of very strict rules from the very day they are born. And that includes some seriously crazy guidelines.
There are as many opinions as there are people. There are also as many types of behavior as people, and some of them not only annoy us, but even make us boil over. It’s especially irritating to see people behave inappropriately in public places.
Royal children are not always known for respecting etiquette, like people say they should. The rebellious gestures to the press show their honest and real personalities, which steal the hearts of many people around the world.
A person demonstrates their good manners, or lack thereof, with their attitude toward their waiter. And you can expect anything from people who go into a restaurant and already think that they’re the most important one there. Waiters have learned to spot customers who may cause problems and serve their tables without much personal involvement.
